The renal capsule is the thin, tough fibrous coat that wraps the outer surface of each kidney. It strips easily from a healthy kidney and continues into the renal sinus at the hilum. It gives the kidney its smooth surface and some protection against injury and infection spreading inward.
| Location | Directly covers the outer surface of the kidney, deep to the perirenal fat |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Renal plexus |
| Blood Supply | Capsular branches of the renal artery; Inferior suprarenal artery (capsular twigs) |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Encloses and protects the kidney tissue and helps hold its shape.
Because the capsule does not stretch much, rapid swelling of the kidney (as in acute pyelonephritis or obstruction) stretches it and causes a dull, constant loin ache. Bleeding beneath it after trauma or biopsy forms a subcapsular haematoma. In long-standing scarring diseases the capsule becomes stuck to the underlying cortex.
A collection of blood between the capsule and the cortex after trauma, biopsy or lithotripsy. A large one can compress the kidney and raise blood pressure (Page kidney).
Distension of the capsule from swelling, infection or obstruction produces deep, aching flank pain.
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